LSX454 is a Gen IV version of the 6.2-liter Chevy small-block and is sold in long-block form.
Like so many others today, Jeff Noll of Milwaukee installed a factory crate engine during his car’s build. Noll’s choice for his 1967 Camaro was the Chevrolet ZZ4 H.O. 350 four-bolt-main offered by General Motors. The engine’s cast-aluminum heads are fitted with 1.94-in. intake and 1.50-in. exhaust valves and a 10.0:1 compression ratio. The engine uses cast-aluminum pistons with offset piston pins on forged metal connecting rods.
Crate engines such as that in Noll’s Camaro are growing increasingly popular with hobbyists today, because they can speed the completion of a project. They also provide a warranty that provides peace of mind to hobbyists that drive their cars. In addition to GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler also offer crate engines to the hobbyist.
GM Factory Crate Engines
GM crate engines come in five families and numerous horsepower and displacement combinations. The engine families are the LS small-block V-8, the Chevy small-block V-8, the Chevy big-block V-8, RPO engines and race engines.
The 290-hp 350 H.O. Chevy small-block V-8 is a deal that delivers reliability with its four-bolt mains, PM steel rods and strong cast-aluminum pistons.
Fuel injection fans can order a Ram Jet 350-cid/350-hp GM crate engine with iron Vortec heads. One of the nicest things about this power plant is that, once installed, all you need is a 12-volt power supply and fuel. You don’t have to deal with a whole mess of electrical wires.
The 383-cid stroker engine has been built by rodders for years and now GM makes it at the factory. This crate engine packs 425 hp and offers plenty of stump-pulling torque at 460 lb.-ft.
GM’s 320-hp LS1 350 provides state-of-the-art performance and famously powered the fourth-generation Camaros and Firebirds. The all-aluminum small-block V-8 comes complete with fuel injectors, exhaust manifolds and a flex plate. It also includes the ECM (electronic control module) and a wiring harness that allows it to be installed and teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission for use in any 1975-or-earlier vehicle.
Hobbyists fascinated by the big-block mystique can order a 770-hp, 572-cube GM big-block V-8 straight from the factory. The old adage still rings true: “There’s no replacement for displacement!”
The base big-block crate engine is the 454-cid, 425-hp mill, which is priced to maximize “bang for the buck.” This is a good classic high-performance V-8 with big valves, rectangular ports, forged pistons, a forged crank, forged connecting rods and four-bolt mains. At 500 lb.-ft., it has plenty of torque, too.
The next step up from 425 hp is GM’s Ram Jet 502 crate engine with aluminum heads. The fuel-injected 502-horse, 565 lb.-ft. monster is just like the small-block Ram Jet V-8 — it needs only a 12-volt ground to make it ready to ride.
GM’s ZZ 572 crate V-8 is described as being “for those who consider excess to be barely enough.” Judging from the specs, there’s no argument here. It packs 620 hp from 572 cubic inches and 650 lb.-ft. of torque to boot, but it comes at a five-figure price.
The last GM big-block crate on the list is the ZZ 572 Race Engine, which puts out 720 hp. The engine will certainly put a dent in your wallet and is intended for serious racers.
GM crate engines can be found at www.gmpartsdepot.com.
This “Powered By Ford” factory crate engine was on display in the auto company’s booth at the SEMA Show.
Ford Factory Crate Engines
Ford Motor Co. also offers five families of crate engines through its racing parts division (www.fordracingparts.com). They are called: Modular, Small-Block 302-Based, 351-Based, Sealed Race and Big-Block. The total array of offerings includes 20 different engines, some of which put out more than 700 hp.
The Modular line offers 5.0-, 5.4- and 4.6-liter V-8 engines. The normally aspirated 4.6 develops 320 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, while a supercharged version can deliver up to 700 hp. The 5.0 has a 412-hp rating and that goes up to 550 hp for the 5.4. Prices range from $8,000 up to $20,999 for the 5.4.
The Small-Block 302 series offers five engines including three that actually displace 302, 306 and 347 cubic inches. All but the 306 are Boss V-8s, the most powerful of which being the 450-hp 347, which comes with high-flow heads, hydraulic lifters, a forged crank and an MSD billet distributor. All five engines in the 302 family have hydraulic roller cams, forged I-beam connecting rods and lightweight forged pistons. Prices range from less than $4,000 up to almost $9,000.
Mopar 572 Hemi has optional cross rams and air horns. With its 10.0:1 compression ratio, it generates 560 hp and 660 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Ford offers four engines in the 351 family, two of which displace 392 cubes and two of 427 cubic inches. The 392s are called Sportsman 351s. The 427-cid/535-hp engine is the Boss 351 and the other 427 is an aluminum-block engine for which no specific horsepower rating is listed. These engines all have many high-performance goodies and external appearance upgrades. Prices are in the $7,895 to $13,595 range.
Ford’s crate engine lineup includes six racing engines that are specially marketed and not a choice for resto-mods. On the other hand, both of the Ford big-block crates are popular with resto-mod builders. Both have 521 cubic inches and both produce 609 hp at 5,750 rpm. Both also list 630 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. In fact, both have nearly identical specs such as mechanical roller cams, forged pistons and 10.0:1 compression ratios.
MoPar Factory Crate Engines
Chrysler (www.mopar.com) also “imports” three crate engines from Detroit. The first is an all-aluminum 426 HEMI Gen III. If horsepower and speed count, this MoPar engine (P/N P5155513) could be what the doctor ordered. With 540 hp and 530 lb.-ft. torque, it apes the classic Hemi. Lightweight aluminum aids performance through better acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics and weight distribution.
MoPar’s 440 Super Commando crate engine commands instant respect and admiration with an estimated output of 500 hp and 535 lb.-ft. of torque. With this engine under its hood, a resto-mod packs punch on the street or drag strip.
Last, but not least, is the 410 Magnum “Six Pack” crate engine with 465 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. This MoPar crate engine is packed with power and additional performance capabilities.
Aftermarket Factory Crate Engines
In addition to the crate engines available from automakers, there are many aftermarket companies that make/sell crate engines. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (www.lingenfelter.com), Gale Banks Engineering (www.bankspower.com), Edelbrock LLC (www.edelbrock.com) and Promar Precision Engine (www.promarengine.com) are several sources. Catalog suppliers such as Summit Racing and Speedway Motors are other reliable sources that offer guarantees.
Purchasing a crate engine from a less-well-known supplier doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get ripped off. There are certainly small companies who make excellent products, sell them a bit cheaper due to lower overhead and stand behind their engines. A great way to deal with any supplier is contact other customers. Computer-savvy buyers can also check for Internet feedback from other customers.
Crate Engine Buying Considerations
When buying a crate engine, realize that engine packages can vary from one company to the next, as well as from one model to the next. Generally, engines are available in one of three basic formats.
Short-block: This setup includes the engine block, crank, connecting rods, pistons and piston rings, pins, main bearings, rod bearings, cam bearings, rear main seal and water jacket plugs. Some include the camshaft and drive mechanism.
Long-block: The short-block basics are included plus cylinder heads, camshaft, valve train components and oil pan. Usually, the timing cover and valve covers are included and, possibly, the intake manifold.
Turn-key: This is a ready-to-bolt-in engine which may or may not include a distributor, belt pulleys or other accessories. Buying these parts separately will add to the cost. Want air conditioning? Then look for the best deal on a crate engine package that includes all of the needed air conditioning system parts.
Crate engines aren’t just new engines from the manufacturer. This built-up Oldsmobile Rocket V-8 from the 1950s is an example of the turn-key rebuilt engines some companies offer.
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